Kyle Salcedo wants to be a physical therapist specializing in physical education for people who use prosthetics. He just got closer to that goal thanks to a scholarship from the Laurence and Ethel Young Scholarship in Kinesiology. Salcedo is a fourth year Kinesiology/Exercise Science major who is passionate about his future.
The late Laurence Young was a professor of Kinesiology in the physical education option for many years. He and his wife Ethel established a planned gift to CSUN, and that means that the Youngs’ legacy will continue to live on at CSUN through student scholars like Salcedo.
“I wish Laurence and Ethel Young were here with us today so that they could see the opportunities that their generosity has provided for not only my family, but for those individuals I will help in the future,” Salcedo said.
In addition to aiding Salcedo in the pursuit of his career goals, the scholarship will also alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition. He stressed that the generosity of the Youngs has helped reduce a financial burden. Salcedo will also be able to spend less time working at his part-time job in a fast food restaurant and more time focusing on his studies.
Salcedo has always has had a passion for the study of human movement and the body, but now he has some big plans for himself and for helping those who have suffered limb loss. His big plans include becoming a physical therapist and changing the way prosthetics are produced. He wants to collaborate with others in fields related to health and human development to create 3D-printed prosthetics that are more affordable and accessible than those currently on the market.
In March, Salcedo was invited by physical therapy faculty, Dr. Victoria Graham, to attended the first-ever Exercise Community Living in Prosthetics and Supporting Everyone (ECLIPSE) Symposium that was held at CSUN. At the symposium, students, faculty and experienced clinicians worked with community members with prosthetics on their balance, walking and running. It was at that symposium that Salcedo became certain that he wanted to pursue physical therapy after graduating in spring 2016.
Salcedo is the first recipient of the Laurence and Ethel Young Scholarship in Kinesiology. The Youngs’ generous gift will continue to benefit CSUN and the community because of passionate students like Kyle Salcedo.
“Scholarships provide students with the ability to get in touch with their creative minds, as long as we give young, passionate minds the resources they need, everyone will benefit,” Salcedo said.
To learn more about giving opportunities in the College of Health and Human Development, please contact John Pepitone, Director of Development, 818-677-5863 or donate now through our Giving page.
Lauren Julian
SU2015/update SP2024